'Habagat', storms leave eight dead, affect nearly 486,000 in PH

Eight people have died while one is reported missing as the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat), together with tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay, continue to affect several parts of the country, according to the latest government report Sunday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the fatalities, all still for validation, included two in Rizal due to a rockslide, two in Batangas due to drowning and electrocution, two in Benguet due to landslides, and two in La Union due to electrocution and drowning.

The agency also reported seven injured persons in Benguet due to landslides and a vehicular accident. One person in Batangas was reported missing.

As of 6 p.m. Sunday, about 124,000 families or 486,000 individuals in Regions I (Ilocos), II (Cagayan), III (Central Luzon), Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, VI (Western Visayas), IX (Zamboanga Peninsula), and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) have been affected.

Flooding was reported in Regions I, III, Mimaropa, CAR and Calabarzon, while landslides were reported in Regions I, CAR and Calabarzon.

The NDRRMC reported 119 active evacuation centers, with 2,500 families or 8,300 individuals currently staying in them.

A total of 170 houses were damaged, including 13 totally and 157 partially damaged.

Infrastructure damage was estimated at PHP105.5 million, while agricultural losses reached PHP3.5 million.

Government agencies, local government units and other partners have provided PHP13.93 million worth of assistance to affected families.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to remain on heightened alert amid heavy rains and flooding across Metro Manila and several parts of Luzon.

-Darryl John Esguerra/Philippine News Agency